PoK Election Phase 2: PML-N Wins 14 Seats Amid Protests and India's Criticism
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The second phase of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded with PML-N winning 14 of 18 seats, amid allegations of rigging and protests. India has rejected the polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' to legitimize Pakistan's illegal occupation, drawing international attention to the region's political situation.
Background
PoK is a region illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947. Pakistan has been holding elections in PoK to project it as a separate entity, which India consistently rejects. The elections are held in phases, with the first phase on July 27 and the final phase scheduled for August 10.
Key facts
PML-N won 14 of 18 seats in the second phase of PoK elections; PPP won the remaining 4 seats.
Polling was scheduled in 20 constituencies, but voting in two seats (LA-27 and LA-28) was postponed due to landslides and bad weather.
All 12 reserved seats for refugees settled in mainland Pakistan went to polls in this phase, sparking protests.
The Awami Action Committee called for a boycott, calling the exercise a 'fraud'.
At least 40 people were killed in a crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters over two days, according to JAAC.
India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance, calling the polls a 'cosmetic exercise'.
The first phase of polling was held on July 27; the final phase is on August 10.
Protests have evolved into a broader campaign against Islamabad's rule, with accusations of military influence.
Pakistani authorities deny rigging allegations and claim elections are conducted per law.
Prelims pointers
- PoK: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also known as Azad Kashmir.
- PML-N: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
- PPP: Pakistan Peoples Party.
- Election Commission of Pakistan: conducts elections in PoK.
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): India's foreign ministry.
- Randhir Jaiswal: MEA spokesperson.
- Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC): protest group.
- LA-27 and LA-28: constituencies where polling was postponed.
- Dates: Phase 1 - July 27, Phase 2 - August 2 (Sunday), Phase 3 - August 10.
Mains angles
- GS2: India's stance on PoK and its implications for bilateral relations with Pakistan.
- GS2: Role of military in Pakistan's political processes and its impact on democracy.
- GS2: Human rights concerns in PoK, including crackdown on protesters.
- GS3: Geopolitical implications of PoK elections for regional stability.